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Hello everyone,I am a MSc graduate (Health Sciences) with some experience in ethical submissions obtained during my internship. I am actively searching for a job and want to start my career in regulatory affairs, preferably in pharma or medical devices.However, I have some kind of offer for a project in a large agricultural company for the regulatory affairs position. The project itself is short (4 months).My doubt is - if I accept this and have a fresh start in regulatory affairs but in agriculture, is it possible later on to switch to pharma/medical devices reg.affairs? Will recruiters/companies value this experience or it's not relevant - because this is agriculture?Also, after this project would I again be on the beginning, searching from the scratch?I would appreciate any career advice - from fellow colleagues. Thank you.

If you want to get into Pharma - I don't think this is the best path to take. But that's opinion.

Unfortunately Agriculture RA is not so connected to what you would find In Pharma - whereas RA can allow strategic elements, in Pharma you are operating with a well established framework - once you know that framework then it's like changing cockpits Between different companies - flying an A380 for Singapore Airlines would be nearly the same for an A380 for Emrites.

So I would learn to fly the A380.

Not to say you can't make the transition there those who done so but be aware it's not so easy - RA is becoming increasingly competitive and employers /recruiters will look for Pharma experience first and foremost - many will have a hard time understanding the portability of Ag RA into Pharma.

also be aware, RA in Pharma is different to RA in Medical Device - however synergies can be found there - ie a device for injection of a new drug or companion diagnostics (i.e. Personalized healthcare).

So cant tell you what to do and the above is my opinion - I am not RA but work with RA cross-functionally in Pharma.

Why not just stay in Agriculture regulatory affairs? There's a huge future there. With CRISPR and other technologies coming on fast, there will be a whole new range of food-related products that will have to go through new and uncertain regulatory pathways, and people in this field will find (perhaps for the first time in this niche) a fast moving career opportunity.